Leiba Stuart is a versatile communications professional who has been committed to the Human Capital Accord and The Economic Board in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region since March 2025. With her broad international background and extensive experience in communications, she enjoys playing a role in strengthening the regional labour market and attracting talent to the region. But who is Leiba really, and what drives her in her work?
A rich background in communications and international experience
Prior to this, Leiba worked at the Institute for Eastern Christianity at Radboud University, where she served as communications coordinator. She managed the website and social media, wrote texts and reports, and organised events such as the annual Platform Day.
Prior to that, she worked at a wide range of organisations, including the European Association of Urology, an events agency, the municipality of Ubbergen and Syntrus Achmea, and she gained work experience in New York and Trinidad and Tobago.
Human Capital Agreement
Since March 2025, Leiba has been dedicating two days a week to the Human Capital Agreement (HCA) and one day to The Economic Board, specifically for Lifeport. Her main task for the HCA is to draw up a communication plan that raises awareness of the region and its initiatives amongst various target groups.
These include clients who identify talent challenges in the region, collaborative partners such as local authorities, businesses and educational institutions, and the potential employees themselves, such as students, school pupils and people wishing to retrain for sectors such as energy, high-tech, AI and healthcare.
Its mission is to use targeted communication to make the region attractive to talent and to strengthen the regional labour market.
Tailored communication for different target groups
Leiba explains that communicating with these different groups is a challenge in itself. For business partners and clients, she mainly uses B2B channels, such as the website, LinkedIn and newsletters.
From 4 June 2025, the Lifeport website will become the central hub for all information about the initiatives of The Economic Board and HCA.
For younger target groups, such as students and young talent, Leiba mainly uses Instagram. Here, she can provide information about career opportunities and prospects in the region in a relaxed and engaging way. Leiba is enthusiastic about using this channel because she enjoys coming up with creative content and making the message more personal.
She emphasises that it is important to remain flexible and respond to trends and needs. “What works this year may no longer be relevant next year. That’s why I’m working on a communication plan that is constantly being adapted and improved.”
Cooperation and teamwork
Leiba finds working as part of a team very motivating. She works closely with her communications colleagues and the Human Capital Team, all of whom contribute ideas and offer support.
The shared aim is to promote the region as an attractive destination for talent and to strengthen the labour market.
Focus on energy and high tech
As well as her strategic communications work for HCA and Lifeport, Leiba also writes articles on the energy sector, AI and high-tech.
She conducts interviews and writes articles that highlight the region’s innovative strength. She also contributes ideas and organises various events.
Living and commitment to Nijmegen
Leiba has been living in Nijmegen for fifteen years and feels a strong connection to the region. Although she didn’t realise beforehand just how innovative Nijmegen was, she discovered this through her work and life here.
“There are quite a few interesting and innovative companies in this region. My mission is to raise awareness of this among more people, especially young people and students, so that they don’t automatically head to the Randstad for work but build their careers and futures in Nijmegen and Arnhem.”
